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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Wednesday Lavender Lenses

The Graying of HIV: Strategies in Survival

COP 24/7 in its ongoing effort to address issues and dilemmas involving HIV/AIDS in Arkansas. This forum wanted to expand the scope of this health crisis and as a result will be doing a multi part series on the the impact of the Affordable Health Care Act as well as the lack of preparedness of service providers to deal with patients, clients and consumers who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS 50 and older. This forum will also explore how this next frontier is being examined by our local health department and the strategies being developed to assist this population. In a webinar presented by the Administration on Agency (www.aoa.gov) offered a wide range of presenters whom cited their perspectives on what the landscape looks like presently while forecasting how the health care system will be utilized as more individuals who have been previously or recently diagnosis. Representative from around the country shared their experiences of how they are developing more best practices which include whether seniors had differing clinical needs and how to deliver those needs as it appears that those over 50 are becoming a fast growing infected population. Over 100 people tuned into this webinar, which by far was one of the best organized and executed that I've been apart of. Using the CISCO WebEX platform, presenters consistently moved through the presentations offering factoids, graphs and links to substantiate their premise that among the new challenges of an aging HIV/AIDS populous training would be scaled up among providers, care givers, community based organizations and case management workers. One of the stark realities revealed was the fact that in 2015, over half of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. will be over the age of 50. As we began to unfold our research on this next horizon of this crisis, COP 24/7 would like to share this informational video and links. (www.nhaaad.org and www.lgbtagingcenter.org )

The Name Game: New LGBT Health Journal Arrives in 2012A new LGBTQ health magazine is being developed and produced by The Living Affected Corporation highlighting health dilemmas and issues beyond HIV and AIDS. Funded through a Healthy People 2020 Community Innovations Project grant, the scope of the project will include collaborating with physicians, clinicians, non traditional advocates and other stakeholders on policies as well as social determinants that impact sexual minorities. Content submissions are also being sought for review by the Editorial Board which will make final selections March 15, 2012. Authors or researchers if chosen will be entitled to a $125 compensation per submission. The organization is also launching a naming contest to discover a title for the new venture which is open statewide. All submissions must be original and will be used in the advertisement of the project which include both billboards, circulated print and Facebook ads. A prize of $100 will be awarded to the winning submission. Deadline is March 1, 2012 Forward your entries marked "The Name Game" to info@lacorponline.org Stay tuned to COP 24/7 as we will announce all the winners!

Lucie's Place Fundraises for 2012

The Board of Directors of Lucie's Place have announced March 9, 7-9 pm as an evening of fabulous art at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Road in West Little Rock. According to board chair Penolope P., all proceeds of the benefit will go toward the development of Lucie's Place, which is slated to be a shelter resource designed for displaced LGBTQ young adults.

The art show will feature regional artists from Arkansas and also artists from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida will provide pieces for a silent auction. HorsD’oeuvres and beer, wine and soft beverages will be available. Tickets are $25 per person and $45 per couple and can be obtained by calling 501-764-0237 or e-mailing LuciesPlaceAR@gmail.com